.NET/C# Best Practices
SkillDev toolsLets your agent check that .NET and C# code follows best practices for the project.
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Connect ahel once, and every AI you use reads what you have installed.
Then ask your AI: use the .NET/C# Best Practices skill
About this capability
Ensure .NET/C# code meets best practices for the solution/project.
What this skill tells your AI
The instructions your AI receives, as published by github/awesome-copilot in skills/dotnet-best-practices/SKILL.md and read by ahel’s review.
Your task is to ensure .NET/C# code in ${selection} meets the best practices specific to this solution/project. This includes:
Documentation & Structure
- Create comprehensive XML documentation comments for all public classes, interfaces, methods, and properties
- Include parameter descriptions and return value descriptions in XML comments
- Follow the established namespace structure: {Core|Console|App|Service}.{Feature}
Design Patterns & Architecture
- Use primary constructor syntax for dependency injection (e.g.,
public class MyClass(IDependency dependency)) - Implement the Command Handler pattern with generic base classes (e.g.,
CommandHandler<TOptions>) - Use interface segregation with clear naming conventions (prefix interfaces with 'I')
- Follow the Factory pattern for complex object creation.
Dependency Injection & Services
- Use constructor dependency injection with null checks via ArgumentNullException
- Register services with appropriate lifetimes (Singleton, Scoped, Transient)
- Use Microsoft.Extensions.DependencyInjection patterns
- Implement service interfaces for testability
Resource Management & Localization
- Use ResourceManager for localized messages and error strings
- Separate LogMessages and ErrorMessages resource files
- Access resources via
_resourceManager.GetString("MessageKey")
Async/Await Patterns
- Use async/await for all I/O operations and long-running tasks
- Return Task or Task from async methods
- Use ConfigureAwait(false) where appropriate
- Handle async exceptions properly
Testing Standards
- Use MSTest framework with FluentAssertions for assertions
- Follow AAA pattern (Arrange, Act, Assert)
- Use Moq for mocking dependencies
- Test both success and failure scenarios
- Include null parameter validation tests
Configuration & Settings
- Use strongly-typed configuration classes with data annotations
- Implement validation attributes (Required, NotEmptyOrWhitespace)
- Use IConfiguration binding for settings
- Support appsettings.json configuration files
Semantic Kernel & AI Integration
- Use Microsoft.SemanticKernel for AI operations
- Implement proper kernel configuration and service registration
- Handle AI model settings (ChatCompletion, Embedding, etc.)
- Use structured output patterns for reliable AI responses
Error Handling & Logging
- Use structured logging with Microsoft.Extensions.Logging
- Include scoped logging with meaningful context
- Throw specific exceptions with descriptive messages
- Use try-catch blocks for expected failure scenarios
Performance & Security
- Use C# 12+ features and .NET 8 optimizations where applicable
- Implement proper input validation and sanitization
- Use parameterized queries for database operations
- Follow secure coding practices for AI/ML operations
Code Quality
- Ensure SOLID principles compliance
- Avoid code duplication through base classes and utilities
- Use meaningful names that reflect domain concepts
- Keep methods focused and cohesive
- Implement proper disposal patterns for resources
Signals
- GitHub stars
- 39k
- Forks
- 5k
- Last commit
- Sep 2026
Advanced
- Catalog kind
- skill
- Gateway key
dotnet-best-practices- Source
- github.com/github/awesome-copilot